The key to getting back in the win column is to balance the competitive drive with controlling the pace of the game.

Brock Nelson snapped a tie midway through the third period and Ilya Sorokin made 34 saves, helping the New York Islanders beat the Vegas Golden Knights 2-1 for their eighth win in nine games

Brock Nelson scored the game-winning goal just beyond the midway point of the third period Tuesday night for the surging New York Islanders, who edged the Vegas Golden Knights 2-1 in Elmont, N.Y.

Patrick Roy, asked about top-liner Mathew Barzal’s indefinite absence, had cited the original “Rocky” prior to the Islanders 2-1 victory over Vegas on Tuesday night at UBS Arena. The coach noted how people love an athlete — or team — that keeps getting back up from tough situations to beat the odds.